"A & E a nightmare"

I was referred to heartlands A&E by Badger out of hours, due to fact I had a swelling in my throat and felt like I was choking, and we thought it was an allergic reaction.

I arrived at 11.20pm... I registered and started my wait, after an hour, I still hadn't been seen any kind of triage nurse to assess, whether serious or not, I went back to desk only to be advised I would need to speak to someone at the nurses station.

So they let me through...I found a nurse 'explained' my situation, and was told to go back and wait... Which.I did so.

I was finally called in at 1.45am to be told that I should have gone to the Badger Clinic. I was then taken over there and told to wait.

I finally saw a nurse at 2.20am, and then finally saw a doctor in Badger Clinic at 2.45 am. I cannot believe that I had to wait 3 hours to have my condition accessed, considering that it was potentially a life threatening condition, before seeing a doctor... It's an absolute disgrace!!

I dread the thought of having to come here again, if I have a medical emergency.

I cannot believe the main hospital in East Birmingham and Solihull appears to be unable to care for its patients in a controlled and well managed manner.

Whatever has changed here since my last visit two years ago. needs a serious review!!

Terrible!! And it certainly wasn't a staffing issue from what I could see, as during my 4 hour visit. I saw lots of staff. Drinking, chatting walking about, but not being particularly productive...To be fair, when I finally did see a nurse here's great and so was the doctor (apart from the fact that the nurse had to hunt around for equipment to look down my throat) if good hope has and A and E dept, I would suggest you go there!! I know I will be in future.